<p>UCB, you hit on one of the dark sides of the 10 percent law. There are plenty of subpar schools in Texas from the Valleys to the football loving Bubbavilles. All of them have a top ten percent pool … just as the academic powerhouses. Much ink has been wasted on making proposals that would add an extra hurdle such as a minimum SAT or a state ranking. Texas political powers have been able to kill most sensible amendments. </p>
<p>The system, however, works, and perhaps as intended, because many students from lower performing districts simply do NOT use their free pass as they cannot afford the schools or feel comfortable away from family. </p>
<p>But there are many ways in which the system of auto admission could be more equitable and just. </p>